Top 20 Most Romantic Music Videos of All Time
#20: “Cool” (2005)
Gwen Stefani
In this underrated music video from Gwen Stefani’s solo career, the singer finds herself at a European villa as her old flame and his current partner come to visit. During the meetup, she remembers all of the great times they shared together from their past. The stylish visuals give the piece the feel of a vintage romantic drama with their appealing imagery. Beautiful flashbacks allow us to see their previous love affair, watching the pair as they frolic through the streets in romantic interludes. Both the song and video receive the proper treatment in a striking and compelling look at a prior relationship.
#19: “Die a Happy Man” (2015)
Thomas Rhett
This tune is all about how the love of his life is all Rhett needs to be happy. Its accompanying music video proves he means every word he sings, bringing the emotion in the lyrics to life visually. The country star and his wife, Lauren Akins, can be seen dancing, enjoying the woods and beach, and simply having a good time. None of their activities are particularly over-the-top, but the magic of the clip lies in its simplicity. It’s their bond that makes each moment special – and we can feel the love between the duo with every look they share. Enhancing the song by adding real-life romance, this video is nothing short of heartwarming.
#18: “I Need You” (2007)
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are among the biggest superstar couples in modern country music. This particular video captures their love through an intimate rendition of their duet “I Need You.” Utilizing mood lighting, the minimal stage is set for a romantic evening that only these two can deliver. Their emotive expressions make this acoustic version come alive with help from a simple and complementary backdrop. Delivering passionate performances, both musicians excel at drawing in the audience with their perfect chemistry. It goes to show that you don’t need to try too hard to convey the palpable feelings between two people.
#17: “Marry Me” (2010)
Train
The video for “Marry Me” begins with a group of couples talking about their own relationships, effectively setting the stage for a tale about finding a soulmate. It then follows a waitress who falls for one of her customers – singer Pat Monahan. Their silent meet-cute is downright swoon-worthy. But he takes off, and she sinks into his booth after realizing she might never get a chance to see him again. The touching narrative tugs at the heartstrings using classic rom-com tropes. With fate bringing them back together, the man returns for his hat and the two reconnect in an effective reunion.
#16: “Just the Way You Are” (2010)
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars could easily carry any video with just his performance, but this clip for “Just the Way You Are” offers up an inventive take on typical visual presentations. Mars’ onscreen partner listens to a cassette that soon becomes an imaginative canvas for a unique animated sequence. The singer reshapes the tape into various designs that take on a life of their own. Along with serenading his girlfriend, his romantic gesture also presents us with a whole new way to express feelings for someone else. The performer’s immaculate vocals certainly don’t hurt either.
#15: “Hero” (2001)
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a singing heartthrob, and the release of his hit “Hero” definitely helped establish him as such. The video follows Iglesias as a man on the run with Jennifer Love Hewitt by his side. Their love story plays out across a desert landscape that recalls the romantic visions of old school Westerns. Iglesias and his partner spend time swooning over each other, but every great relationship needs a dose of heartbreak. A group of men catch up with the singer and he later ends up dying in a dramatic climax. Each performer elevates the material beyond its clichés, providing a mini-movie that could easily become its own feature-film romance.
#14: “I Believe in You” (2017)
Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé’s video for “I Believe in You” shows viewers the entire arc of a lifelong relationship between two people. Beginning in childhood, the couple meet up and hit it off, embarking on a heartwarming decades-long romance. The man and woman inevitably get married, at which point the clip turns into a full-blown musical. A cute sequence shows the growth of the characters as they stick together through thick and thin, hitting major life milestones along the way. Revealing their unshakeable bond, the partners stay with each other until old age. The final moments provide a full circle moment that’s worth the wait.
#13: “Someone That Loves You” (2016)
Honne & Izzy Bizu
Honne & Izzy Bizu’s electro-pop track receives a fitting visual companion with this video. After a chance meeting on the subway, two people explore a possible partnership as they travel through a city together. The beautiful costumes and cinematography work especially well in layering this short with wonderful details. The pair’s relationship is shown through a whirlwind of images, some of which leave the romance open to interpretation. From cute dates to a steamy love scene, there’s no shortage of memorable moments showing their bond. The open ending allows viewers to either believe in the couple or question their future. However you see it, there’s no denying the passion.
#12: “Open” (2013)
Rhye
Rhye’s track “Open” has a music video full of moments that feel like they’re straight out of an indie movie, as it shows two partners taking a dreamy seaside vacation. The main characters enjoy the luxury of a house that may or may not be theirs in a complicated tale. Both actors bring a nuance to their romance that suggests there are some cracks in the foundation. It’s not all dour moments either, as they find time to have an intimate moment by the water. Still, their happiness seems to fade as they find themselves in front of a fire. Open to many interpretations, this video explores romance on various levels, and it’s captivating.
#11: “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston can do no wrong with this video, which features highlights from her starring role in “The Bodyguard.” The song works as a tribute to her co-star Kevin Costner’s character Frank, or anyone else’s significant other. With her awesome vocals, the singer also fills the moments with an impassioned performance like no other. Houston pines for her former flame in an empty theater, while romantic flashbacks remind her of all the best times she had with her partner. Leave it to this iconic performer to sell the depth of a bittersweet romance in only a few short minutes.
#10: “Teenage Dream” (2010)
Katy Perry
In her “Teenage Dream” video, Perry embodies all of the wonder and nostalgia of a past love. The narrative starts with a road trip, with a beach party as the destination. Along the way, the singer and her partner nestle up together and make their way to a motel. It all works as an encapsulation of the perfect day with the one you adore. Flashing between the thrills of an ocean getaway to the couple’s alone time, the video and song work together to make us feel like we’re experiencing a euphoric evening. The mixture of heartfelt lyrics and images combine in one of Perry’s best and most romantic adventures.
#9: “Dreaming of You” (1995)
Selena
This posthumous release’s clip tells the intriguing tale of a nighttime rendez-vous. A young woman packs her bags and waits for her boyfriend to whisk her away. Her unsuspecting family doesn’t know about her plan, providing some additional drama to this story. Dreams of a future and a wedding day flash before the lead character in a number of surreal flourishes. When the driver finally arrives, her dream getaway comes true in a classic moment out of any romantic novel. There’s no telling where the two will end up, but this conclusion displays a hopeful message for the runaway couple.
#8: “Secret” (2010)
Seal
Seal’s “Secret” video emanates coolness and sensuality from its first seconds. The talented singer shares the screen with his then-wife Heidi Klum, giving viewers a glimpse into their private life. In searing black and white, several personal moments play out between the two in a romantic episode that’s not easily forgotten. The photography picks a number of choice close ups that allow both performers to draw the viewer in with their star power. It's not hard to watch a music video when two of the most charismatic people in the world come together in a major way.
#7: “All of Me” (2013)
John Legend
Both living their best lives, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen enjoy each other’s company in “All of Me.” Intercut with quiet and meaningful moments, the clip’s greater thesis revolves around Legend’s adoration for his partner. Their natural presence together gives off an aura that speaks to the strength of their relationship. One of the most notable images consists of the performer watching Teigen from the window as she gazes back at him. Their romance builds to a cinematic scene where they embrace underwater. Even better, after the song ends, we get a look into their real nuptials. Nobody looks happier or more in love than these two lovebirds, and it’s beyond touching.
#6: “Halo” (2008)
Beyoncé
Beyoncé excels in any of her eclectic music videos. “Halo” is no different, depicting her as a woman devoted to her partner and to dance. In intimate moments shared together, she and her partner show their love for each other lying in bed, playing with the dog, and more. These serene images combine with the surreal as Beyoncé plunges underwater in a wedding dress. It all comes down to an extended close-up between the performer and her partner as they have a staring contest in a moment of pure romantic bliss. The romance seeps out of every frame and every note, and it’s flawless.
#5: “Time After Time” (1984)
Cyndi Lauper
“Time After Time’s” video follows Cyndi Lauper's character as she struggles to decide between herself and her relationship. She lives with her boyfriend in a trailer and dreams of a fairy tale life that only exists in Hollywood movies. Deciding to embrace her independence, she makes the difficult decision to embark on her own journey. This prompts a final goodbye scene at a train station that is among the sadder and most tender moments in any video. Like many tragic romances before it, the story features a bittersweet ending as the singer abandons her partner in search of something more.
#4: “Love Story” (2008)
Taylor Swift
One of the best songs from Taylor Swift's “Fearless” era draws on Shakesperian themes to spotlight the universally relatable feeling of falling in love despite disapproval. The video for "Love Story" follows that inspiration as Swift's modern-day college student visualizes a romance between them in another era. Taking full advantage of classical outfits and a regal setting, the video allows for a lavish fantasy to take place in her mind. Waking from her day dream, she and her future man connect in a modern day reunion of sorts. This kind of wish fulfillment is a staple of a great romantic movie, and it makes this video a keeper.
#3: “Thinking Out Loud” (2014)
Ed Sheeran
"Thinking Out Loud" was far from Ed Sheeran's first major song, but it did get major attention. The accompanying music video proved he was a star as he traded elaborate concepts for a stripped-down dance. Sheeran and his partner fill an empty ballroom in an intimate routine harkening back to some classic onscreen dances. With a limited set and cast list, the remainder of the clip uses a romantic and simplistic approach until its final touching moments. The two characters play out the entire love story through their movements, showing that you don't need words to demonstrate your convictions.
#2: “Wicked Game” (1991)
Chris Isaak
Chris Isaak’s rockabilly sound and incredible voice crafted “Wicked Game,” but that's not all people remember about the song. His most memorable video feels like a fantasy like no other. Featuring model Helena Christensen, the Hawaiian-set story creates a captivating collection of sensual and romantic scenes. Both performers take advantage of the beach, staying close to each other in intimate sandy and sun-kissed moments. Legendary director Herb Ritts artfully makes sure that little is left to the imagination as the pair enjoy each other's company. The overall vibe is a perfect fit for the laid-back love track.
#1: “Take On Me” (1985)
A-ha
There are few music videos that mix energetic pacing, dreamy visuals, and exciting thrills quite like “Take On Me.” A-ha might be considered a one-hit wonder by many, but this delightful segment features some of the most iconic and enchanting images in the history of the medium. The central character finds herself transported into an animated world with a Prince Charming stand-in leading her through an adventure. There’s a part of every viewer that wishes they could have just one day half as charming as this one. One of the defining videos of the ‘80s, it works as a romantic touchstone with its fantastical narrative.